Amtrak, CSX agree on Hoosier State schedule changes

Amtrak and CSX have reached a mutual understanding to improve the schedules of two Amtrak Hoosier State trains that operate between Indianapolis and Chicago.

Amtrak plans to begin offering the new schedules next month. CSX owns all of the Hoosier State’s route in Indiana. Although details haven't been finalized, a northbound train likely will leave Indianapolis later than the current 6 a.m. departure time, Amtrak officials said in a press release. A southbound train will return to Indianapolis earlier than the current 11:39 p.m. arrival, and times at all intermediate stops will change, they said.

Running through Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer and Dyer, Indiana, the Hoosier State is operated by Amtrak on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays under a contract with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The schedule reduction will save more than $72,000 in annual operating costs to the state, Amtrak officials said.

"Together, these trains carried more than 60,000 customers last year and provide daily service on an important Amtrak Midwest route, one with great potential that we look forward to developing with our partners at INDOT and CSX," said Joe McHugh, Amtrak’s vice president for state-supported services. "As partners, we can further improve the financial performance, reduce trip times and offer a still better option than driving I-65."